Sen. Joni Ernst meets with Josh Turek, who will replace her in D.C.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, spent part of her week doing what she expected; she just didn’t do it with the person she had hoped would replace her in office.

Ernst welcomed state Rep. Josh Turek, the Council Bluffs Democrat who defeated Ernst’s choice for the position, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R- Iowa 2nd District, Marion).

Hinson endorsement

Ernst had endorsed Hinson for the job shortly after announcing publicly that she would not seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.

A dozen years previously, Ernst found herself in a similar spot as her predecessor, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, a Democrat.

Braley endorsement

Harkin didn’t seek re-election in 2014 and endorsed U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, a Waterloo Democrat to succeed him.

But Braley lost to Ernst.

This Republican national election attorney wants candidates to accept the will of the voters.